Cablegate: Portugal Considering Global Maritime Partnerships

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INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT EAID ECIN ECON EFIS MARR MASS MCAP MOPS
PHSA, PINS, PREL, SMIG, SENV, SNAR, ASEC
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL CONSIDERING GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIPS

REF: SECSTATE 50488

1. Poleconoff and Naval Attache delivered reftel points
regarding Global Maritime Partnerships (GMP) to the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, which are
considering possible key areas for participation. GOP
interlocutors currently have no suggestions for GMP
activities.

2. COMMENT: Portugal is already a "global maritime partner"
in many respects, regularly participating in PHOENIX EXPRESS
exercises and information sharing via the Automatic
Identification System (AIS) with the USN Sixth Fleet.
Portugal is also host to the Maritime Analysis and Operations
Center - Narcotics (MAOC-N), which coordinates the activities
of seven European countries (with US liaison) for
interdiction of narcotrafficking throughout the eastern
Atlantic. However, Post experience with GOP maritime
authorities is that they are generally welcoming of USG
maritime initiatives but are not quick to agree to or comment
on prospective changes in how our countries work together.
It is likely that substantive GOP response will be
forthcoming only in reply to detailed proposals.
Stephenson

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